"Put a Little English on it"

Mark McNairy, creative director of J. Press and owner of an eponymous line of English-made shoes, calls himself "the undesigner," but it might be more accurate to say he doesn't overdesign. Rather than junk up a classic saddle shoe with metallic skins or other silliness, McNairy keeps it simple but modern, mixing tan leather with navy suede. And for his new co-labeled collection of Bass Weejuns, McNairy stays true to the brand's Maine roots while also tossing in some crocodile and tassels. "I'm not trying to redesign the wheel," he says. "I'm just trying to make a nice shoe."

Top: Mark McNairy New Amsterdam ($363), epauletshop.com. Mark McNairy for Bass Weejuns ($3,665), 212.826.8900.

(Details magazine)

He says that he is just trying to make a "nice shoe"........he's certainly accomplished that.